443 



which can be utili/ed by other crops. Beggar weed can be sown 

 after a crop of oats has been harvested, or it can be scattered between 

 corn rows after the crop has been laid by. Six to ten pounds of 

 clean seed are enough for an acre. If beggar weed is tried as a crop 



FIG. 9. Beggar weed (Desmodmm fortuosum). 



in the north, it should not be planted until midsummer. If planted 

 early, the seed will lie in the ground and will fail to germinate until 

 the ground has become warm. Clean seed can be procured in the 

 markets at about fifteen dollars per bushel of sixty pounds. Beggar 

 weed makes an excellent quality of ensilage, either alone or mixed 

 with corn fodder. 



Desmodmm triflpnim. A densely matted perennial herb, occur- 

 ring in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. Roxburgh 

 states that it helps to form the most beautiful turf in India, and that 

 cattle are very fond of it. It springs up in all soils and situations, 

 furnishing an excellent fodder in places too hot for ordinary clover. 

 It deserves trial in the warmest portions of the Southern States. 

 There are many other species of Desmodium in the eastern and 

 southern United States, some occurring in woodlands, and others 

 found only in open prairies. All are eaten with avidity by stock, 



